Magic: The Gathering is encountering a notable challenge with its upcoming Final Fantasy set, yet recent previews suggest a positive trajectory for resolution. The central concern lies in the endeavor to incorporate cards for every crucial character spanning the 16 principal installments of Final Fantasy. With expansive party dynamics—evident in titles like Final Fantasy VI—and a plethora of memorable antagonists, achieving a balanced representation within the card set seemed daunting. However, indications from the latest preview reveal a viable solution.
As typical in Trading Card Games (TCGs), Magic: The Gathering sets feature an array of cards categorized by rarity. Early glimpses of the Final Fantasy cards showcased a trend where prominent party members were classified as either rare or mythic rare, while villains and notable creatures—like Tonberry—were assigned lower rarities. Yet, the most recent card preview has indicated a shift away from this initial trend.
Latest Preview Reveals Inclusion of Legendary Uncommons for Party Members
Historically, Party Member Cards Were Rare or Mythic
To commemorate his birthday, Final Fantasy’s official Facebook page unveiled a card illustrating Gladiolus Amicitia from Final Fantasy XV. This card signifies a milestone as it is the first instance of a party member being classified as an uncommon in this set. Initially, I was skeptical, especially after witnessing Zell from Final Fantasy VIII listed as a rare card, but this revelation is quite encouraging.
With the understanding that party members can indeed be assigned lower rarities, my concerns over not seeing some of the franchise’s lesser-known characters have been alleviated. While I anticipated main figures such as Clive or Squall to appear, there was trepidation surrounding the inclusion of fan-favorites like Gau from FFVI, or characters from lesser-celebrated titles like Snow from FF XIII. I now feel optimistic that a wider range of beloved characters will grace the deck.
The introduction of lower-rarity party member cards also enhances their accessibility in Drafts and Prerelease events. I’m enthusiastic about opening my Prerelease pack and discovering which characters will bolster my deck. Furthermore, it enables Final Fantasy enthusiasts who wish to collect cards to more easily acquire their favorites at a reasonable price.
Gladiolus Card: A Flavorful Triumph for Magic’s Final Fantasy Set
Gladiolus Amicitia Card Skillfully Embodies the Character’s Abilities
Beyond confirming the arrival of uncommon—potentially even common—party member cards, Gladiolus’ card exemplifies a successful integration of flavor within the set’s mechanics. Known for his affinity for the wilderness and survival skills showcased in Final Fantasy XV, Gladio displays tracking abilities reminiscent of those found in Magic: The Gathering. His primary ability, which allows deck searching, resonates with this theme.
Although Gladio’s landfall ability may seem somewhat abstract, it is crucial to note that landfall is typically linked to creatures embodying a connection to nature. Despite the potential narrative dissonance, its implementation still feels justified. It’s a less contentious use of mechanics compared to how Magic has portrayed comic characters, like the Green Goblin, by focusing solely on thematic labels.
Overall, my experiences with Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy cards have been gratifying in terms of thematic coherence. While some cards evoke less excitement—such as Cloud being designated as an Equipment Commander—my eagerness to explore this set remains high. With the impending release of Tarkir: Dragonstorm, I anticipate a wave of additional Final Fantasy previews shortly.
Source: Final Fantasy/Facebook